I chose to read Retreat from Nuala as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team and received a copy from the author, but that does not alter my review in any way.
There is nothing like returning to a series you know for that wonderful feeling of contentment as you settle back in with familiar characters and a writing style that you enjoy.
This story takes place in 1947 in Ceylon. Inspector Shanti de Silva and his wife, Jane, have a comfortable life in Nuala. Shanti is experiencing a quiet time at work, so when his wife meets a monk from a Buddhist Monastery set high in the mountains and suggests a break there, he agrees. If only to get away from the heat!
They are not the only visitors though and when an ancient, and potentially controversial manuscript goes missing, there are plenty of suspects.
I loved the pace of this story. It has such an elegance to it–an indication of the time, perhaps. And I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Shanti and Jane. She is such a help in his investigations and they make a great team.
The ending was not what I was expecting at all, which was rather refreshing and it is clear considerable research has gone into the historical elements and the aspect of the manuscript that was so controversial.
Retreat from Nuala is certainly a book I can recommend without hesitation.
This sounds like a book I would enjoy. Great review!
Oh, I think you’d love this series, Darlene. It’s a delight!
Thank you Georgia.
You’re welcome, Rosie
Thank you so much for your review, I’m glad you enjoyed the story. Best wishes, Harriet
You’re welcome, Harriet. Thank you for writing such a wonderful series!